Along with two Islamic State (IS) group leaders, the United States imposed sanctions on two South Sudanese officials on Tuesday for rape.
Following a memorandum on the subject signed by President Joe Biden in November, the Treasury Department said that the actions were the first evidence of a focused US government effort on conflict-related sexual assault.
“In the case of South Sudan, the two individuals designated were found to have abused their positions of political and military authority to carry out acts of sexual violence against citizens,” the Treasury Department said.
These included instances of rape and kidnapping that took place on their watch or in which they took part.
James Nando, a major general in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, and Alfred Futuyo, the governor of Western Equatoria, were identified as the two South Sudanese officials.
“Futuyo is also affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army,” the department added.
While emphasising that sexual violence in armed conflict is still pervasive, Biden added in a separate statement that “the United States is committed to doing all we can to end this blatant abuse of human rights.”
Along with the Treasury’s designations, the State Department took similar action against two IS leaders who were allegedly responsible for the kidnapping and enslavement of women and girls as well as sexual assault against Yezidis.
“Today’s designations, along with sanctions on ISIS leaders by the US Department of State, represent the first time that a dedicated focus on conflict-related sexual violence… has led to the imposition of US sanctions,” the Treasury Department said.
Arkan Ahmad ‘Abbas al-Matuti, a top field military commander, and Nawaf Ahmad Alwan al-Rashidi, who oversees IS financial payments to members and widows, are the organisation’s commanders.
Both actions block the identified individuals’ property and property interests that are subject to US jurisdiction. Additionally, it is generally forbidden for US citizens to deal with the specified individuals.